New Delhi: Bollywood has a fascinating relationship with horror movies. While the genre was initially neglected, recent years have seen a surge in Indian horror films that push boundaries and challenge conventional storytelling. Movies like “Stree”, “1920”, and “Tumbbad” have successfully blended scares with engaging narratives, showcasing Bollywood’s evolving creativity in the horror genre. Expect more hauntingly thrilling experiences from Bollywood in the future.
1. Tumbbad
Tumbbad, a highly regarded Indian horror film and part of IMDb’s top 10 horror movies, stands out as a unique and innovative creation in Indian cinema. It tells a gripping tale of greed through a captivating fictional creation myth. Blending elements of cosmic horror, the film follows a family that exploits forbidden knowledge to gain wealth and prosperity. Tumbbad’s distinct storytelling and compelling narrative have earned it praise and a dedicated fanbase.
2. Stree
The 2018 film ‘Stree’ terrified audiences with its storyline of a malevolent female ghost preying on men at night. Inspired by the legend of Naale Ba in Karnataka, it drew from a folklore where a witch would deceive people by disguising her voice. The town’s residents would write ‘Nale Ba’ as protection. The highly successful horror satire is set to have a sequel soon.
3. Raaz
Raaz, a Bollywood film, explores the supernatural mysteries surrounding Sanjana and Aditya’s failing marriage in Ooty. As Sanjana experiences eerie occurrences, Aditya dismisses them as mere illusions. Seeking guidance from Prof. Swaroop, they learn about the vengeful spirit of Malini, who had an affair with Aditya and tragically ended her life. The haunting spirit seeks to separate the couple to claim Aditya’s soul. Raaz captivated audiences with its blend of romance, suspense, and the paranormal.
4. 1920
In the film ‘1920’, Arjun and Lisa defy their families and get married. They move to a haunted mansion, where strange and unsettling events occur. Lisa becomes possessed by an evil spirit, and Arjun seeks help from Father Thomas to save her. As Arjun uncovers the mansion’s dark history, he learns about the tragic love story of Gayatri and Mohan, whose spirit now possesses Lisa. ‘1920’ draws inspiration from classic horror films like ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’.
5. 13B
“13B” is a Bollywood horror film that delves into the supernatural. The story revolves around a family that moves into a new apartment, only to discover strange occurrences linked to a TV show called “Sab TV”. As they become further entangled in the eerie happenings, they realize that their lives are mirroring the events of the show. “13B” effectively blends suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements to create a thrilling cinematic experience.
